A Hitchin nurse is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award presented to her in front of hundreds of her peers.

Lucy Moorhead from Coleridge Close in the town won the inaugural ‘Psoriasis Nurse of the Year’ at a ceremony in front of more than 220 other nursing professionals at the British Dermatological Nursing Group’s annual conference.

Advanced nurse practitioner Lucy, 41, was nominated by several of her patients and stood out to the judges by going the extra mile, often way beyond the remit of her job – to ensure patients in her receive the best-support possible, even out of hours.

Mum of one Lucy told the Comet: “I’m very honoured to have won this award – but it’s not about me, it’s more about recognising excellent patient care from the team.”

Lucy was nominated by patient Libby Tett who helped her when she was diagnosed with psoriasis more than two years ago.

Libby explained: “Lucy reassured me and listened to me when no-one else would.

“She is so supportive and kind, and always only a phone call or email away to help with any queries or problems.”

Lucy added: “I am so touched Libby and other patients nominated me. I often see what a difference it makes to people with psoriasis when they receive regular personalised care.

“It boosts their self-confidence motivation to effectively manage their condition, and that’s a reward in itself for us as nurses – to see those we care for empowering.

“But it’s fantastic to see the support we give as psoriasis nurses recognised in a more formal way.”

The award was given at BDNG’s conference in Bournemouth earlier this month, and was judged by members of the BDNG executive committee and representatives of The Psoriasis Association, the leading UK charity and organisation for people affected with psoriasis.

Lynee Skrine, BDNG president said: “Nurses have a leading role to play in the ongoing care of people with psoriasis – the quality of entries was exceptional.”